Sports Injuries: Finding a Physiotherapist in the UK

The NHS says that in some areas you can refer yourself to physiotherapy without seeing a GP; check your local NHS website, or ask a GP. Waits vary. Pharmacists can advise on minor sprains and strains. Some areas also have first contact physiotherapists in GP practices, who you can book to see instead of a GP for joint and muscle problems.

Physiotherapists assess how an injury affects movement, then use exercise, advice, manual therapy and a graded plan to help you return to sport or work. Some specialise in sports, musculoskeletal or post-surgery rehab. “Physiotherapist” is a protected title in the UK: anyone using it must be on the HCPC register. Many are also members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). If an injury is affecting your confidence or mood, a psychologist or counsellor can help as well.

Before you book, look the practitioner up yourself on the official register. Psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and arts therapists must be on the HCPC register to use those titles. Counsellors and psychotherapists are usually on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, such as BACP, UKCP, BPC or NCPS. Psychiatrists are doctors on the GMC register. Our guide to checking a register shows how. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner’s register and number is shown on their profile so you can check it too.

Private physio is usually paid per session, with a longer first assessment; fees vary by area. Many health insurance policies cover physio, sometimes needing a GP referral first, so check your policy. Ask about experience with your sport or injury, how many sessions they expect, what exercises you will do at home, and how they will judge when you are ready to return. See health insurance and therapy.

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